Angry residents have vented their fury after almost 30 vehicles in just one road were damaged in a “senseless” overnight act of vandalism in Ipswich.

Police said at least 20 vehicles were targeted in Alan Road in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday, leaving frustrated motorists hundreds of pounds out of pocket. The Star understands the number of vehicles damaged is closer to 30.

Residents were woken up yesterday morning by police officers carrying out door-to-door enquiries. Cars and vans were scratched and dented – and police believe a “late-night reveller” could be the culprit.

Resident Jason Arnold said it will cost him between £500-600 to repair his silver BMW after it was heavily scratched on the bonnet and across one side.

The 36-year-old said: “They have done one side of the whole street and the repair work will probably cost us all around £30-40,000, coming out of our own pockets.

“Police stepping up patrols might help, but unless you catch them in the act, it is very difficult.”

Bricklayer Darnell McLucas, 27, expressed his frustration after his van was scratched.

He said: “Police knocked on my door at around 11.30am saying around 30 cars in the street had something done to them overnight.

“One white Ford Fiesta had its windscreen smashed.

“Whoever did it are lowlifes. Someone has probably been out drinking and just decided to do it. They must be caught, but what can police do? It only takes a few minutes to scratch some cars.”

Another Alan Road resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said a decision to switch off street lights at midnight around a year ago has made it easier for vandals and burglars to commit crime overnight.

Another feared someone could suffer serious injuries in a crash if the damage was not spotted by the vehicle owner. They said the driver could lose control of the vehicle, or suffer a sudden blow-out, on a fast main road like the A14 or the A12.

Another added: “It was senseless. I hope police catch them.”

A Suffolk Constabulary spokesman said the investigation remains ongoing, adding: “Officers have so far received calls from owners of 20 cars and vans that were parked in Alan Road overnight between Sunday and Monday, whose vehicles were either scratched or dented by a sharp instrument.

“At this stage there is no obvious motive. The immediate suspicion focuses on a late-night reveller, but there could be a more specific reason behind the act.

“We will be examining CCTV in a bid to find the culprit or individuals responsible.”

People with information about the incident are urged to come forward. Call police on 101.